BART gears up for epic weekend with more train cars, special event trains

BART gears up for epic weekend with more train cars, special event trains

BART is significantly boosting its passenger carrying capacity for what promises to be an epic Bay Area weekend of events that include Fleet Week activities, America’s Cup races, concerts at East Bay music venues, home games for the 49ers, Giants and possibly the A’s and a full slate of parades and street fairs.

“With so many events to choose from, one choice is relatively easy. Choose BART to get where you’re going this weekend,” said BART Board President John McPartland. “I can’t imagine why anyone would want to battle traffic gridlock after paying more than $4.00 a gallon for gas when they can simply hop on a train and get to their destination in a matter of minutes.”

Increased Capacity Starts Friday

BART will begin to ramp up for the big weekend on Friday with longer trains than typical during non-peak hours and by adding special event trains Friday evening, including trains timed to carry passengers leaving the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park.

The increased capacity continues Saturday and Sunday with up to a dozen special event trains and longer trains all day long each day. BART is also calling in extra Station Agents to help passengers and more technicians to keep the equipment operating efficiently.

Free Parking on Weekends and 95% or Better On-Time Performance

BART’s 95% or better on-time performance standard is one reason so many people rely on BART to get around the Bay Area even when they’re not commuting to work.

More people than ever are choosing BART. September was a record setting month for BART ridership, with an average weekday ridership of 402,955. Eleven of the 19 non-holiday September weekdays saw ridership top the 400,000 benchmark.

Tips for Trips on BART

BART riders are encouraged to get a Clipper card (more info at www.Clippercard.com) or buy a round trip ticket at the station where they begin their trip. Customers can plan their trip by using the BART QuickPlanner.